BZA approves temporary pocket park and temporary structures at 131 S. Main

The Elkhart City Board of Zoning Appeals on May 14 approved a use variance to allow temporary non‑construction structures at 131 South Main Street so the Elkhart Redevelopment Commission can install a pocket park until a permanent redevelopment is selected. Mike Huber, development services director, told the board the commission acquired the property through a 2024 tax sale and wants to activate the vacant site "until sometime that we actually do have a development proposal that could come on that site." Huber said the plan includes two shade structures, a kiosk container for a leased vendor, seating and bollards to separate the site from an adjacent alley.

Staff supported the variance and recommended conditions, including a two‑year approval term and a rehearing in May 2028 if a redevelopment plan has not been approved. Staff described the pocket park as a hardscaped area with concrete pavers, seating designed for individual users rather than benches, and lighting and said park elements would be reusable in other city installations after the site is redeveloped. The staff report also noted utilities are available on site.

Board member motions adopted the petitioners’ and staff findings of fact and the staff condition; a roll‑call vote recorded unanimous approval from the members present. Under the board’s quorum rule, votes taken with three members must be unanimous; the approval will remain subject to the two‑year review condition.

The board offered brief public comment time but received no opposing speakers for this case. The city will advertise any required permits and the redevelopment commission plans to seek an operator for the kiosk via a request for proposals.